October 22, 2024 — As the US election heats up, so too does the torrent of misogyny on social media, with Vice President Kamala Harris facing an onslaught of vile, sexist posts aimed at her bid for the presidency. While the election is supposed to focus on policy and vision for the future, it seems parts of the internet—and even some global politicians—have other ideas.
The misogyny reached an all-time low when a member of the Russian Duma recently commented that Harris “would make a great porn star MILF.” As if that wasn’t bad enough, a US Republican senator added fuel to the fire, retorting with the acronym “GILF,” igniting a disturbing trend that has since taken over the darker corners of the web.
Suggestions for what Harris “should be doing” instead of running for president have flooded social media. Among the top recommendations from Harris detractors: a care home manager, reality TV star, or a daytime talk show host. “Anything but the Oval Office,” read one post dripping with casual sexism.
Meanwhile, as if the overt misogyny wasn’t enough, some black male voters have voiced a different kind of unease. “I’ve been told all my life what to do by white men,” one popular post lamented. “Now I’m not gonna be bossed around by a black woman—unless my wife gets ideas.”
This discomfort among a segment of male voters reflects a broader struggle with the idea of a black woman leading the country. Harris, who has broken multiple barriers in her career, now faces an uphill battle not just against her political opponents but against a cultural backlash steeped in both racism and sexism.
As these posts continue to spread, it’s clear that the conversation has strayed far from qualifications or policies. Instead, Harris is being framed in the sexist narratives that have long been a part of US politics, targeting women—and especially women of color—who dare to step into the highest echelons of power.
But despite the noise, Harris’ campaign remains focused on the issues. “I’m running for president, not for a reality TV show,” Harris said in a statement. “The American people deserve better than these distractions.”
Whether voters will look past the toxic discourse remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: misogyny has taken center stage in the 2024 US election, and it’s Harris who’s bearing the brunt of it.